It has happened to everyone. You’re enjoying a nice dinner with friends when someone’s cell phone rings and you are forced to hear way too much of someone’s personal business.
It’s true that our phones have become a huge, and sometimes important, part of our lives, but many of those who can’t even manage an hour without texting, emailing or talking on the phone need to concentrate more on the soon-to-be-lost art of person-to-person contact.
As in all situations, there are exceptions. Healthcare professionals, first responders, parents whose kids are with babysitters, to name a few, need to have their phones at the ready in case of an emergency. Most others could afford to put their phones away for a while and at least ACT interested in what their dinner companions are saying.
We’ve all seen that sad scenario at restaurants where every member of a family is busy with their smartphones and not a word is being shared between the kids and parents. Please, look at each other and talk!
Fortunately, others noticed this trend and in 2002, July was established as National Cell Phone Courtesy Month. So, it’s a great time to look at your own habits to identify and correct any rude cell phone habits as well as to get back into the habit of having face-to-face conversations.
- Turn off your phone’s ringer when appropriate. DO NOT be one of those folks whose phone rings during a wedding or funeral or any other important event.
- Do not use your phone on public transportation. No one wants to hear about your personal or professional business.
- There are some places where you simply do not take calls – churches, libraries, waiting rooms, museums, theaters, to name a few.
- While at meals, in meetings, etc., place your phone out of sight. Your phone being on the table tells those around you that they are not your main priority. It also sends the message that they find their phone more interesting than they find you.
- Do not use your phone as an excuse to not interact with others.
- If you must take a call while in public, step outside, or at least get enough distance so that others do not have to hear your conversation.
- Don’t hide behind your phone to engage in inappropriate behavior. Even though texts and photos can be deleted, they are always out there waiting to be found.
- If you must talk on the phone, do so in private. If is no private space, keep your voice down.
- Never text and drive.